Techniques For Statically Tuning Retro-Directive Wireless Power Transmission Systems

ABSTRACT

Techniques for static tuning retro-directive wireless power transmission systems are described herein. The techniques described herein include systems, methods and software for establishing a static tuning mode for a retro-directive wireless power transmission system. The static tuning mode can generate an extended stable power sphere that facilitates accurate RF and other measurements. Additionally, techniques are provided for characterizing the wireless power delivery paths.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/093,023 titled “TECHNIQUES FOR STATICALLY TUNINGRETRO-DIRECTIVE WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS” filed on Apr. 7,2016; which claims priority to and benefit from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/146,233 titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESSCHARGING” filed on Apr. 10, 2015, both of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates generally to the field ofwireless power transmission and, more specifically, to techniques forstatically tuning retro-directive (dynamic and continuous) wirelessradio frequency (RF) power transmission systems in wireless powerdelivery environments.

BACKGROUND

Many portable electronic devices are powered by batteries. Rechargeablebatteries are often used to avoid the cost of replacing conventionaldry-cell batteries and to conserve precious resources. However,recharging batteries with conventional rechargeable battery chargersrequires access to an alternating current (AC) power outlet, which issometimes not available or not convenient. It is therefore desirable toderive power for mobile portable electronics via electromagneticradiation. Some systems for wireless charging via electromagneticradiation have been disclosed. However, these systems areretro-directive in that beacon or calibration signals are used tomaintain dynamic and continuous knowledge of locations of powerreceivers in a wireless power delivery environment.

For testing, certification, and other purposes, it may become importantto obtain RF power and other measurements of wireless power transmissionsystems in wireless power delivery environments. Unfortunately, becausethe systems are designed for dynamic use, it can be difficult to obtainaccurate RF and other measurements with these dynamic and continuoussystems.

Accordingly, a need exists for technology that overcomes the problemdemonstrated above, as well as one that provides additional benefits.The examples provided herein of some prior or related systems and theirassociated limitations are intended to be illustrative and notexclusive. Other limitations of existing or prior systems will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the followingDetailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by wayof example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram including an example wireless powerdelivery environment illustrating wireless power delivery from one ormore wireless power transmission systems to various wireless deviceswithin the wireless power delivery environment in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a sequence diagram illustrating example operationsbetween a wireless power transmission system and a wireless receiverclient for commencing wireless power delivery in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of awireless power transmission system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of awireless power receiver client in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict diagrams illustrating an example multipathwireless power delivery environment 500 in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example technique forstatically tuning a retro-directive wireless power transmission systemin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a sequence diagram illustrating example operations forstatically tuning a retro-directive wireless power transmission systemin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a sequence diagram illustrating example operations forstatically tuning a retro-directive wireless power transmission systemin accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict flow diagrams illustrating example processes forstatic tuning a retro-directive wireless power transmission system inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict flow diagrams illustrating example processesfor static tuning a retro-directive wireless power transmission systemin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of arepresentative mobile device or tablet computer with one or morewireless power receiver clients in the form of a mobile (or smart) phoneor tablet computer device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in theexample form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques for static tuning retro-directive wireless power transmissionsystems are described herein. The techniques described herein includesystems, methods and software for establishing a static tuning mode fora retro-directive wireless power transmission system. The static tuningmode can generate an extended stable power sphere that facilitatesaccurate RF and other measurements. Additionally, techniques areprovided for characterizing the wireless power delivery paths.

In some embodiments, the techniques for static tuning includetransmitting power from at least part of the wireless power transmissionsystem (e.g., one or more of multiple antennas or transceivers) to astatic test device while transitioning through each of multipletransmission settings. The static test device can measurecharacteristics of the wireless power including, but not limited to, theRF power received at the static test device as a result of each of themultiple transmission settings. In some embodiments, a determination canalso be made as to which of the transmission settings yield the mostefficient or optimal transfer of power.

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but no other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatsame thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any termsdiscussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

I. Wireless Power Transmission System Overview/Architecture

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram including an example wireless powerdelivery environment 100 illustrating wireless power delivery from oneor more wireless power transmission systems (WPTS) 101 a-n (alsoreferred to as “wireless power delivery systems”, “antenna arraysystems” and “wireless chargers”) to various wireless devices 102 a-nwithin the wireless power delivery environment 100, according to someembodiments. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates an example wirelesspower delivery environment 100 in which wireless power and/or data canbe delivered to available wireless devices 102 a-102 n having one ormore wireless power receiver clients 103 a-103 n (also referred toherein as “clients” and “wireless power receivers”). The wireless powerreceiver clients are configured to receive and process wireless powerfrom one or more wireless power transmission systems 101 a-101 n.Components of an example wireless power receiver client 103 are shownand discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the wireless devices 102 a-102 ninclude mobile phone devices and a wireless game controller. However,the wireless devices 102 a-102 n can be any device or system that needspower and is capable of receiving wireless power via one or moreintegrated power receiver clients 103 a-103 n. As discussed herein, theone or more integrated power receiver clients receive and process powerfrom one or more wireless power transmission systems 101 a-101 n andprovide the power to the wireless devices 102 a-102 n (or internalbatteries of the wireless devices) for operation thereof.

Each wireless power transmission system 101 can include multipleantennas 104 a-n, e.g., an antenna array including hundreds or thousandsof antennas, which are capable of delivering wireless power to wirelessdevices 102. In some embodiments, the antennas are adaptively-phasedradio frequency (RF) antennas. The wireless power transmission system101 is capable of determining the appropriate phases with which todeliver a coherent power transmission signal to the power receiverclients 103. The array is configured to emit a signal (e.g., continuouswave or pulsed power transmission signal) from multiple antennas at aspecific phase relative to each other. It is appreciated that use of theterm “array” does not necessarily limit the antenna array to anyspecific array structure. That is, the antenna array does not need to bestructured in a specific “array” form or geometry. Furthermore, as usedherein he term “array” or “array system” may be used include related andperipheral circuitry for signal generation, reception and transmission,such as radios, digital logic and modems. In some embodiments, thewireless power transmission system 101 can have an embedded Wi-Fi hubfor data communications via one or more antennas or transceivers.

The wireless devices 102 can include one or more receive power clients103. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, power delivery antennas104 a-104 n are shown. The power delivery antennas 104 a are configuredto provide delivery of wireless radio frequency power in the wirelesspower delivery environment. In some embodiments, one or more of thepower delivery antennas 104 a-104 n can alternatively or additionally beconfigured for data communications in addition to or in lieu of wirelesspower delivery. The one or more data communication antennas areconfigured to send data communications to and receive datacommunications from the power receiver clients 103 a-103 n and/or thewireless devices 102 a-102 n. In some embodiments, the datacommunication antennas can communicate via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee,etc. Other data communication protocols are also possible.

Each power receiver client 103 a-103 n includes one or more antennas(not shown) for receiving signals from the wireless power transmissionsystems 101 a-101 n. Likewise, each wireless power transmission system101 a-101 n includes an antenna array having one or more antennas and/orsets of antennas capable of emitting continuous wave or discrete (pulse)signals at specific phases relative to each other. As discussed above,each the wireless power transmission systems 101 a-101 n is capable ofdetermining the appropriate phases for delivering the coherent signalsto the power receiver clients 102 a-102 n. For example, in someembodiments, coherent signals can be determined by computing the complexconjugate of a received beacon (or calibration) signal at each antennaof the array such that the coherent signal is phased for deliveringpower to the particular power receiver client that transmitted thebeacon (or calibration) signal.

Although not illustrated, each component of the environment, e.g.,wireless device, wireless power transmission system, etc., can includecontrol and synchronization mechanisms, e.g., a data communicationsynchronization module. The wireless power transmission systems 101a-101 n can be connected to a power source such as, for example, a poweroutlet or source connecting the wireless power transmission systems to astandard or primary alternating current (AC) power supply in a building.Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the wireless powertransmission systems 101 a-101 n can be powered by a battery or viaother mechanisms, e.g., solar cells, etc.

The power receiver clients 102 a-102 n and/or the wireless powertransmission systems 101 a-101 n are configured to operate in amultipath wireless power delivery environment. That is, the powerreceiver clients 102 a-102 n and the wireless power transmission systems101 a-101 n are configured to utilize reflective objects 106 such as,for example, walls or other RF reflective obstructions within range totransmit beacon (or calibration) signals and/or receive wireless powerand/or data within the wireless power delivery environment. Thereflective objects 106 can be utilized for multi-directional signalcommunication regardless of whether a blocking object is in the line ofsight between the wireless power transmission system and the powerreceiver client.

As described herein, each wireless device 102 a-102 n can be any systemand/or device, and/or any combination of devices/systems that canestablish a connection with another device, a server and/or othersystems within the example environment 100. In some embodiments, thewireless devices 102 a-102 n include displays or other outputfunctionalities to present data to a user and/or input functionalitiesto receive data from the user. By way of example, a wireless device 102can be, but is not limited to, a video game controller, a serverdesktop, a desktop computer, a computer cluster, a mobile computingdevice such as a notebook, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, amobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a Blackberry device, a Treo, and/oran iPhone, etc. By way of example and not limitation, the wirelessdevice 102 can also be any wearable device such as watches, necklaces,rings or even devices embedded on or within the customer. Other examplesof a wireless device 102 include, but are not limited to, safety sensors(e.g., fire or carbon monoxide), electric toothbrushes, electronic doorlock/handles, electric light switch controller, electric shavers, etc.

Although not illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, the wireless powertransmission system 101 and the power receiver clients 103 a-103 n caneach include a data communication module for communication via a datachannel Alternatively or additionally, the power receiver clients 103a-103 n can direct the wireless devices 102.1-102.n to communicate withthe wireless power transmission system via existing data communicationsmodules. Additionally, in some embodiments the beacon signal, which isprimarily referred to herein as a continuous waveform, can alternativelyor additionally take the form of a modulated signal.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram 200 illustrating example operations betweena wireless power delivery system (e.g., WPTS 101) and a wireless powerreceiver client (e.g., wireless power receiver client 103) forestablishing wireless power delivery in a multipath wireless powerdelivery, according to an embodiment. Initially, communication isestablished between the wireless power transmission system 101 and thepower receiver client 103. The initial communication can be, forexample, a data communication link that is established via one or moreantennas 104 of the wireless power transmission system 101. Asdiscussed, in some embodiments, one or more of the antenna 104 a-104 ncan be data antennas, wireless power transmission antennas, ordual-purpose data/power antennas. Various information can be exchangedbetween the wireless power transmission system 101 and the wirelesspower receiver client 103 over this data communication channel. Forexample, wireless power signaling can be time sliced among variousclients in a wireless power delivery environment. In such cases, thewireless power transmission system 101 can send beacon scheduleinformation, e.g., Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle, power cycleinformation, etc., so that the wireless power receiver client 103 knowswhen to transmit (broadcast) its beacon signals and when to listen forpower, etc.

Continuing with the example of FIG. 2, the wireless power transmissionsystem 101 selects one or more wireless power receiver clients forreceiving power and sends the beacon schedule information to the selectpower receiver clients 103. The wireless power transmission system 101can also send power transmission scheduling information so that thepower receiver client 103 knows when to expect (e.g., a window of time)wireless power from the wireless power transmission system. The powerreceiver client 103 then generates a beacon (or calibration) signal andbroadcasts the beacon during an assigned beacon transmission window (ortime slice) indicated by the beacon schedule information, e.g., BeaconBeat Schedule (BBS) cycle. As discussed herein, the wireless powerreceiver client 103 include one or more antennas (or transceivers) whichhave a radiation and reception pattern in three-dimensional spaceproximate to the wireless device 102 in which the power receiver client103 is embedded.

The wireless power transmission system 101 receives the beacon from thepower receiver client 103 and detects and/or otherwise measures thephase (or direction) from which the beacon signal is received atmultiple antennas. The wireless power transmission system 101 thendelivers wireless power to the power receiver client 103 from themultiple antennas 103 based the detected or measured phase (ordirection) of the received beacon at each of the corresponding antennas.In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 101determines the complex conjugate of the measured phase of the beacon anduses the complex conjugate to determine a transmit phase that configuresthe antennas for delivering and/or otherwise directing wireless power tothe power receiver client 103 via the same path over which the beaconsignal was received from the power receiver client 103.

In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 101 includesmany antennas; one or more of which are used to deliver power to thepower receiver client 103. The wireless power transmission system 101can detect and/or otherwise determine or measure phases at which thebeacon signals are received at each antenna. The large number ofantennas may result in different phases of the beacon signal beingreceived at each antenna of the wireless power transmission system 101.As discussed above, the wireless power transmission system 101 candetermine the complex conjugate of the beacon signals received at eachantenna. Using the complex conjugates, one or more antennas may emit asignal that takes into account the effects of the large number ofantennas in the wireless power transmission system 101. In other words,the wireless power transmission system 101 can emit a wireless powertransmission signal from the one or more antennas in such a way as tocreate an aggregate signal from the one or more of the antennas thatapproximately recreates the waveform of the beacon in the oppositedirection. Said another way, the wireless power transmission system 101can deliver wireless RF power to the client device via the same pathsover which the beacon signal is received at the wireless powertransmission system 101. These paths can utilize reflective objects 106within the environment. Additionally, the wireless power transmissionsignals can be simultaneously transmitted from the wireless powertransmission system 101 such that the wireless power transmissionsignals collectively match the antenna radiation and reception patternof the client device in a three-dimensional (3D) space proximate to theclient device.

As shown, the beacon (or calibration) signals can be periodicallytransmitted by power receiver clients 103 within the power deliveryenvironment according to, for example, the BBS, so that the wirelesspower transmission system 101 can maintain knowledge and/or otherwisetrack the location of the power receiver clients 103 in the wirelesspower delivery environment. Furthermore, as discussed herein, wirelesspower can be delivered in power cycles defined by power scheduleinformation. A more detailed example of the signaling required tocommence wireless power delivery is described now with reference to FIG.3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wirelesspower transmission system 300, in accordance with an embodiment. Asillustrated in the example of FIG. 3, the wireless charger 300 includesa master bus controller (MBC) board and multiple mezzanine boards thatcollectively comprise the antenna array. The MBC includes control logic310, an external data interface (I/F) 315, an external power interface(I/F) 320, a communication block 330, a static tuning control button 316and proxy 340. The mezzanine (or antenna array boards 350) each includemultiple antennas 360 a-360 n. Some or all of the components can beomitted in some embodiments. Additional components are also possible.

The control logic 310 is configured to provide control and intelligenceto the array components. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the controllogic 310 includes a static tuning control module 315. The static tuningcontrol module 315 includes control logic and/or instructions forperforming the static tuning techniques discussed herein. In someembodiments, the static tuning control techniques can be initiated in avariety of ways, e.g., exercising the static tuning control button 316,receiving a request from a static test device, receiving a request viaanother interface of the wireless power transmission system, etc. Thecontrol logic 310 may comprise one or more processors, FPGAs, memoryunits, etc., and direct and control the various data and powercommunications. The communication block 330 can direct datacommunications on a data carrier frequency, such as the base signalclock for clock synchronization. The data communications can beBluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc., including combinations or variationsthereof. Likewise, the proxy 340 can communicate with clients via datacommunications as discussed herein. The data communications can beBluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc.

In some embodiments, the control logic 310 can also facilitate and/orotherwise enable data aggregation for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.In some embodiments, wireless power receiver clients can access, trackand/or otherwise obtain IoT information about the device in which thewireless power receiver client is embedded and provide that IoTinformation to the wireless power transmission system 300 over a dataconnection. This IoT information can be provided to via an external datainterface 315 to a central or cloud-based system (not shown) where thedata can be aggregated, processed, etc. For example, the central systemcan process the data to identify various trends across geographies,wireless power transmission systems, environments, devices, etc. In someembodiments, the aggregated data and or the trend data can be used toimprove operation of the devices via remote updates, etc. Alternatively,or additionally, in some embodiments, the aggregated data can beprovided to third party data consumers. In this manner, the wirelesspower transmission system acts as a Gateway or Enabler for the IoTs. Byway of example and not limitation, the IoT information can includecapabilities of the device in which the wireless power receiver clientis embedded, usage information of the device, power levels of thedevice, information obtained by the device or the wireless powerreceiver client itself, e.g., via sensors, etc.

The external power interface 320 is configured to receive external powerand provide the power to various components. In some embodiments, theexternal power interface 320 may be configured to receive a standardexternal 24 Volt power supply. Alternative configurations are alsopossible.

An example of a system power cycle is now described. In this example,the master bus controller (MBC), which controls the wireless powertransmission system, first receives power from a power source and isactivated. The MBC then activates the proxy antenna elements on thewireless power transmission system and the proxy antenna elements entera default “discovery” mode to identify available wireless receiverclients within range of the wireless power transmission system. When aclient is found, the antenna elements on the wireless power transmissionsystem power on, enumerate, and (optionally) calibrate.

The MBC then generates beacon transmission scheduling information andpower transmission scheduling information during a scheduling process.The scheduling process includes selection of power receiver clients. Forexample, the MBC can select power receiver clients for powertransmission and generate a Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle and a PowerSchedule (PS) for the selected wireless power receiver clients. Asdiscussed herein, the power receiver clients can be selected based ontheir corresponding properties and/or requirements.

In some embodiments, the MBC can also identify and/or otherwise selectavailable clients that will have their status queried in the ClientQuery Table (CQT). Clients that are placed in the CQT are those on“standby”, e.g., not receiving a charge. The BBS and PS are calculatedbased on vital information about the clients such as, for example,battery status, current activity/usage, how much longer the client hasuntil it runs out of power, priority in terms of usage, etc.

The Proxy AE broadcasts the BBS to all clients. As discussed herein, theBBS indicates when each client should send a beacon. Likewise, the PSindicates when and to which clients the array should send power to andwhen clients should listen for wireless power. Each client startsbroadcasting its beacon and receiving power from the array per the BBSand PS. The Proxy can concurrently query the Client Query Table to checkthe status of other available clients. In some embodiments, a client canonly exist in the BBS or the CQT (e.g., waitlist), but not in both. Alimited number of clients can be served on the BBS and PS (e.g., 32).Likewise, the CQT may also be limited to a number of clients (e.g., 32).Thus, for example, if more than 64 clients are within range of thewireless power transmission system, some of those clients would not beactive in either the BBS or CQT. The information collected in theprevious step continuously and/or periodically updates the BBS cycleand/or the PS.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wirelesspower receiver client, in accordance with some embodiments. Asillustrated in the example of FIG. 4, the receiver 400 includes controllogic 410, battery 420, an IoT control module 425, communication block430 and associated antenna 470, power meter 440, rectifier 450, acombiner 455, beacon signal generator 460, beacon coding unit 462 and anassociated antenna 480, and switch 465 connecting the rectifier 450 orthe beacon signal generator 460 to one or more associated antennas490a-n. Some or all of the components can be omitted in someembodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless powerreceiver client does not include its own antennas but instead utilizesand/or otherwise shares one or more antennas (e.g., Wi-Fi antenna) ofthe wireless device in which the wireless power receiver client isembedded. Moreover, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiverclient may include a single antenna that provides data transmissionfunctionality as well as power/data reception functionality. Additionalcomponents are also possible.

A combiner 455 receives and combines the received power transmissionsignals from the power transmitter in the event that the receiver 400has more than one antenna. The combiner can be any combiner or dividercircuit that is configured to achieve isolation between the output portswhile maintaining a matched condition. For example, the combiner 455 canbe a Wilkinson Power Divider circuit. The rectifier 450 receives thecombined power transmission signal from the combiner 455, if present,which is fed through the power meter 440 to the battery 420 forcharging. The power meter 440 can measure the received power signalstrength and provides the control logic 410 with this measurement.

The control logic 410 can receive the battery power level from thebattery 420 itself. The control logic 410 may also transmit/receive viathe communication block 430 a data signal on a data carrier frequency,such as the base signal clock for clock synchronization. The beaconsignal generator 460 generates the beacon signal, or calibration signal,transmits the beacon signal using either the antenna 480 or 490 afterthe beacon signal is encoded.

It may be noted that, although the battery 420 is shown for as chargedby and providing power to the receiver 400, the receiver may alsoreceive its power directly from the rectifier 450. This may be inaddition to the rectifier 450 providing charging current to the battery420, or in lieu of providing charging. Also, it may be noted that theuse of multiple antennas is one example of implementation and thestructure may be reduced to one shared antenna.

In some embodiments, the control logic 410 and/or the IoT control module425 can communicate with and/or otherwise derive IoT information fromthe device in which the wireless power receiver client 400 is embedded.Although not shown, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiverclient 400 can have one or more data connections (wired or wireless)with the device in which the wireless power receiver client 400 isembedded over which IoT information can be obtained. Alternatively, oradditionally, IoT information can be determined and/or inferred by thewireless power receiver client 400, e.g., via one or more sensors. Asdiscussed above, the IoT information can include, but is not limited to,information about the capabilities of the device in which the wirelesspower receiver client is embedded, usage information of the device inwhich the wireless power receiver client is embedded, power levels ofthe battery or batteries of the device in which the wireless powerreceiver client is embedded, and/or information obtained or inferred bythe device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded orthe wireless power receiver client itself, e.g., via sensors, etc.

In some embodiments, a client identifier (ID) module 415 stores a clientID that can uniquely identify the power receiver client in a wirelesspower delivery environment. For example, the ID can be transmitted toone or more wireless power transmission systems when communication areestablished. In some embodiments, power receiver clients may also beable to receive and identify other power receiver clients in a wirelesspower delivery environment based on the client ID.

An optional motion sensor 495 can detect motion and signal the controllogic 410 to act accordingly. For example, when a device is receivingpower at high frequencies, e.g., above 500 MHz, its location may becomea hotspot of (incoming) radiation. Thus, when the device is on a person,e.g., embedded in a mobile device, the level of radiation may exceedacceptable radiation levels set by the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) or other medical/industrial authorities. To avoid any potentialradiation issue, the device may integrate motion detection mechanismssuch as accelerometers or equivalent mechanisms. Once the device detectsthat it is in motion, it may be assumed that it is being handled by auser, and would trigger a signal to the array either to stoptransmitting power to it, or to lower the received power to anacceptable fraction of the power. In cases where the device is used in amoving environment like a car, train or plane, the power might only betransmitted intermittently or at a reduced level unless the device isclose to losing all available power.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict diagrams illustrating an example multipathwireless power delivery environment 500, according to some embodiments.The multipath wireless power delivery environment 500 includes a useroperating a wireless device 502 including one or more wireless powerreceiver clients 503. The wireless device 502 and the one or morewireless power receiver clients 503 can be wireless device 102 of FIG. 1and wireless power receiver client 103 of FIG. 1 or wireless powerreceiver client 400 of FIG. 4, respectively, although alternativeconfigurations are possible. Likewise, wireless power transmissionsystem 501 can be wireless power transmission system 101 FIG. 1 orwireless power transmission system 300 of FIG. 3, although alternativeconfigurations are possible. The multipath wireless power deliveryenvironment 500 includes reflective objects 506 and various absorptiveobjects, e.g., users, or humans, furniture, etc.

Wireless device 502 includes one or more antennas (or transceivers) thathave a radiation and reception pattern 510 in three-dimensional spaceproximate to the wireless device 102. The one or more antennas (ortransceivers) can be wholly or partially included as part of thewireless device 102 and/or the wireless power receiver client (notshown). For example, in some embodiments one or more antennas, e.g.,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. of the wireless device 502 can be utilized and/orotherwise shared for wireless power reception. As shown in the exampleof FIGS. 5A and 5B, the radiation and reception pattern 510 comprises alobe pattern with a primary lobe and multiple side lobes. Other patternsare also possible.

The wireless device 502 transmits a beacon (or calibration) signal overmultiple paths to the wireless power transmission system 501. Asdiscussed herein, the wireless device 502 transmits the beacon in thedirection of the radiation and reception pattern 510 such that thestrength of the received beacon signal by the wireless powertransmission system, e.g., RSSI, depends on the radiation and receptionpattern 510. For example, beacon signals are not transmitted where thereare nulls in the radiation and reception pattern 510 and beacon signalsare the strongest at the peaks in the radiation and reception pattern510, e.g., peak of the primary lobe. As shown in the example of FIG. 5A,the wireless device 502 transmits beacon signals over five paths P1-P5.Paths P4 and P5 are blocked by reflective and/or absorptive object 506.The wireless power transmission system 501 receives beacon signals ofincreasing strengths via paths P1-P3. The bolder lines indicate strongersignals. In some embodiments the beacon signals are directionallytransmitted in this manner to, for example, avoid unnecessary RF energyexposure to the user.

A fundamental property of antennas is that the receiving pattern(sensitivity as a function of direction) of an antenna when used forreceiving is identical to the far-field radiation pattern of the antennawhen used for transmitting. This is a consequence of the reciprocitytheorem in electromagnetics. As shown in the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B,the radiation and reception pattern 510 is a three-dimensional lobeshape. However, the radiation and reception pattern 510 can be anynumber of shapes depending on the type or types, e.g., horn antennas,simple vertical antenna, etc. used in the antenna design. For example,the radiation and reception pattern 510 can comprise various directivepatterns. Any number of different antenna radiation and receptionpatterns are possible for each of multiple client devices in a wirelesspower delivery environment.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, the wireless power transmission system 501receives the beacon (or calibration) signal via multiple paths P1-P3 atmultiple antennas or transceivers. As shown, paths P2 and P3 are directline of sight paths while path P1 is a non-line of sight path. Once thebeacon (or calibration) signal is received by the wireless powertransmission system 501, the power transmission system 501 processes thebeacon (or calibration) signal to determine one or more receivecharacteristics of the beacon signal at each of the multiple antennas.For example, among other operations, the wireless power transmissionsystem 501 can measure the phases at which the beacon signal is receivedat each of the multiple antennas or transceivers.

The wireless power transmission system 501 processes the one or morereceive characteristics of the beacon signal at each of the multipleantennas to determine or measure one or more wireless power transmitcharacteristics for each of the multiple RF transceivers based on theone or more receive characteristics of the beacon (or calibration)signal as measured at the corresponding antenna or transceiver. By wayof example and not limitation, the wireless power transmitcharacteristics can include phase settings for each antenna ortransceiver, transmission power settings, etc.

As discussed herein, the wireless power transmission system 501determines the wireless power transmit characteristics such that, oncethe antennas or transceivers are configured, the multiple antennas ortransceivers are operable to transit a wireless power signal thatmatches the client radiation and reception pattern in thethree-dimensional space proximate to the client device. FIG. 5Billustrates the wireless power transmission system 501 transmittingwireless power via paths P1-P3 to the wireless device 502.Advantageously, as discussed herein, the wireless power signal matchesthe client radiation and reception pattern 510 in the three-dimensionalspace proximate to the client device. Said another way, the wirelesspower transmission system will transmit the wireless power signals inthe direction in which the wireless power receiver has maximum gain,e.g., will receive the most wireless power. As a result, no signals aresent in directions in which the wireless power receiver cannot receiver,e.g., nulls and blockages. In some embodiments, the wireless powertransmission system 501 measures the RSSI of the received beacon signaland if the beacon is less than a threshold value, the wireless powertransmission system will not send wireless power over that path.

The three paths shown in the example of Figs. SA and 5B are illustratedfor simplicity, it is appreciated that any number of paths can beutilized for transmitting power to the wireless device 502 depending on,among other factors, reflective and absorptive objects in the wirelesspower delivery environment.

II. Static Tuning Techniques

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example technique forstatically tuning a retro-directive (dynamic and continuous) wirelesspower transmission system 601 in a wireless power delivery environment600, according to some embodiments. As shown in the example of FIG. 6,the wireless power delivery environment 600 includes wireless powertransmission system 601 and static test device 615. The wireless powertransmission system 601 can be wireless power transmission system 101 ofFIG. 1 or wireless power transmission system 300 of FIG. 3, althoughalternative configurations are possible. The wireless power deliveryenvironment 600 is a multipath environment which includes reflectiveobjects 506 and (optionally) various absorptive objects, e.g., users, orhumans, furniture, etc. (not shown).

The wireless power transmission system 601 is configured to deliverretro-directive wireless RF power or energy to devices having one ormore integrated wireless power receiver clients within the wirelesspower delivery environment 600. The system is retro-directive (dynamicor continuous) as the wireless power receiver clients transmit beacon(or calibration) signals that are received and processed by the wirelesspower transmission system 601 to determine the locations of the devicesfor wireless power delivery. As discussed herein, this dynamic orcontinuous power delivery makes it difficult to obtain accuratemeasurements of the wireless power received at a client device.

Accordingly, the wireless power transmission system 601 includes astatic tune mode. The static tune mode includes one or more static tuneconfigurations each having multiple wireless power transmissionsettings. Each wireless power transmission setting indicatestransmission parameters for configuring one or more antennas ortransceivers of the wireless power transmission system 601. The wirelesspower transmission system 601 cycles and/or otherwise transitionsthrough each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings toaccurately obtain or measure characteristics of the wireless powersignal as received from the wireless power transmission system 601 undereach wireless power transmission setting.

As shown in the example of FIG. 6, the wireless power transmissionsystem 601 successively transitions through wireless power transmissionsettings 1-n. Each wireless power transmission setting indicatestransmission parameters for configuring one or more antennas ortransceivers of the wireless power transmission system 601. In someembodiments, transitioning through each of the multiple wireless powertransmission settings can include sequentially selecting each wirelesspower transmission setting and for each wireless power transmissionsetting: identifying a set of transmission parameters for configuring aset of transceivers of the multiple transceivers of the wireless powertransmission system, configuring the set transceivers according to theset of transmission parameters and, once configured, directing the setof transceivers to transmit wireless power. The set of transceivers caninclude a single transceiver.

In some embodiments, the transmission parameters can include phasesettings for the one or more transceivers of wireless power transmissionsystem 601. The transmission parameters can also include power settingsfor the one or more transceivers of the wireless power transmissionsystem 601. Additionally, the transmission parameters can includetemporal parameters that indicate an amount or quantity of time thatwireless power transmission system 601 should transmit wireless power ineach wireless power transmission setting.

In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 601characterizes each of the wireless power delivery paths over whichwireless power can be transmitted to a client device within wirelesspower delivery environment 600.

The static test device 615 can be any device configured to receive andmeasure wireless power in a wireless power delivery environment. Thestatic test device 615 can also report the measurements eitherindividually or aggregated in an array or table. Although not shown, thestatic test device 615 can alternatively or additionally include adisplay or other mechanism for providing and/or otherwise displaying themeasured characteristics of the wireless power signal for each wirelesspower transmission setting. The static test device 615 can include oneor more components of a wireless power receiver client such as, forexample, wireless power receiver client 400 of FIG. 4. However, it isappreciated that the static test device 615 does not need to include allof the functionality of a wireless power receiver client such as, forexample, beacon functionality.

To further illustrate operation of wireless power transmission system601 and communications between wireless power transmission system 601and test device 615, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are provided.

FIG. 7 depicts a sequence diagram 700 illustrating example operationsfor statically tuning a continuous retro-directive wireless powertransmission system in a wireless power delivery environment, accordingto some embodiments. More specifically, sequence diagram 700 illustratescommunications between a wireless power transmission system, e.g., WPTS601, and a static test device, e.g., static test device 615, forperforming the example static tuning operations.

To begin, at step 1, an indication to activate static tuning isidentified and/or received by the wireless power transmission system.Static tuning mode can be activated in a variety of ways. For example, astatic tuning control activation button or input can be provided on thewireless power transmission system 601 or the test device 615. If theactivation button or input is provided on the test device 615, then thetest device 615 can provide the indication to activate static to thewireless power transmission system 601. The activation button or inputcan also be provided on or within the wireless power transmission system601 itself, in which case a user can manually active the static tuningmode. The activation can occur via, for example, an electronicinterface, a manual button, etc.

Once wireless power transmission system 601 receives the indication, atstep 2, wireless power transmission system 601 suspends dynamic tuning.In some embodiments, the suspension can include providing notificationsto wireless devices in the wireless power delivery environment. At step3, wireless power transmission system 601 selects a static tuningconfiguration. As discussed herein, wireless power transmission system601 can have one or more static tuning configurations each identifyingmultiple wireless power transmission settings where each wireless powertransmission setting indicates one or more transceivers and transmissionparameters for configuring the one or more transceivers. For example, afirst wireless power transmission setting can identify a first antennaof hundreds of antennas of the wireless power transmission system 601and a first phase setting for configuring the first antenna. The secondtransmission setting can indicate the first antenna and a second phasesetting for the first antenna. Likewise, the third transmission settingcan indicate the first antenna and a third phase setting until the firstantenna is configured and transmits power with each of n phase settings.The next antenna or transceiver is then selected and the processcontinues. In this manner every transceiver of the hundreds oftransceivers of the wireless power transmission system 601 is configuredin and transmits power in 1-n phase settings.

At step 4, wireless power transmission system 601 can optionally providestatic mode configuration information or data to the test device 615.The static mode configuration information or data can include, amongother data, transmission sequence and/or temporal parameters. In someembodiments, the test device 615 can use this information to correlatethe received measurements with the corresponding wireless powertransmission setting. At step 5, the test device 615 can acknowledgereceipt of the configuration information or data. In some embodiments,steps 4 and/or 5 can be omitted and/or can otherwise comprise basichandshake information prior to commencing the static tuning operations.

At step 6, the wireless power transmission system 601 identifies a(next) wireless power transmission setting indicating one or moretransceivers and transmission parameters for configuring the one or moretransceivers and, at step 7, the wireless power transmission system 601configures the one or more transceivers based on the transmissionparameters. As discussed herein, the wireless power transmission system601 successively transitions through each of the wireless powertransmission settings. Each wireless power transmission settingindicates one or more transceivers and transmission parameters forconfiguring the one or more transceivers. For example, a first wirelesspower transmission setting can identify a first antenna of hundreds ofantennas of the wireless power transmission system 601 and a first phasesetting for configuring the first antenna. The second transmissionsetting can indicate the first antenna and a second phase setting forthe first antenna. Likewise, the third transmission setting can indicatethe first antenna and a third phase setting until the first antenna isconfigured and transmits power with each of n phase settings. In thismanner, every transceiver of the hundreds of transceivers of thewireless power transmission system 601 is configured and transmits powerin each of multiple phase settings.

At step 8, the wireless power transmission system 601 transmits and/orotherwise delivers wireless power from the one or more configuredtransceivers to the test device 615 via one or more wireless paths. Asdiscussed herein, for each wireless power transmission setting, wirelesspower is delivered over a limited number, e.g., potentially a singletransceiver configured with a particular phase setting, so that thewireless power transmitted over each wireless path can be individuallycharacterized.

At step 9, the test device 615 identifies and/or otherwise measureswireless power signal characteristics. The wireless power signalcharacteristics can include measurements of an amount of wireless powerreceived at the test device for each of the multiple wireless powertransmission settings. Furthermore, in some embodiments, thecharacteristics of the wireless power signal can include measurements ofa shape of the wireless power signal, signal strength, etc. At step 10,the test device 615 sends the power signal characteristics to thewireless power transmission system 601.

At step 11, the wireless power transmission system 601 determineswhether it has transitioned through each wireless power transmissionsetting. If not, the process continues at step 6 with the wireless powertransmission system 601 identifying the next wireless power transmissionsetting. If the wireless power transmission system 601 has completedtransitioning through each of the wireless power transmission settingsthen, at step 12, the wireless power transmission system 601 canoptionally perform some post processing. For example, the wireless powertransmission system 601 can process the characteristics of the wirelesspower signal as measured by the test device to characterize the multiplewireless power delivery paths over which the wireless power istransmitted. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system601 can also identify the transmission parameters that yield a maximumtransfer of power to test device 615.

FIG. 8 depicts a sequence diagram 800 illustrating example operationsfor statically tuning a continuous retro-directive wireless powertransmission system in a wireless power delivery environment, accordingto some embodiments. More specifically, sequence diagram 800 illustratescommunications between a wireless power transmission system, e.g., WPTS601, and a static test device, e.g., static test device 615, forperforming the example static tuning operations. Steps 1-9 of sequencediagram 800 are similar to steps 1-9 of sequence diagram 700 and thusdetailed discussions are omitted here for brevity.

After the test device 615 identifies and/or otherwise measures wirelesspower signal characteristics at step 9, the test device 615 saves thewireless characteristics in an array, table or other mechanism at step10. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the test device 615 may notprovide the wireless power signal characteristic measurements towireless power transmission system 601 and instead may store theinformation locally or remotely and/or display the information on thetest device 615 or another system.

At step 11, the wireless power transmission system 601 determineswhether it has transitioned through each wireless power transmissionsetting. If not, the process continues at step 6 with the wireless powertransmission system 601 identifying the next wireless power transmissionsetting. If the wireless power transmission system 601 has completedtransitioning through each of the wireless power transmission settingsthen, at step 12, the wireless power transmission system 601 receives anarray or table including each of the measured wireless power signalcharacteristics for each of the wireless power transmission settings.

Lastly, at step 13, the wireless power transmission system 601 canoptionally perform some post processing. For example, the wireless powertransmission system 601 can process the characteristics of the wirelesspower signal as measured by the test device to characterize the multiplewireless power delivery paths over which the wireless power istransmitted. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system601 can also identify the transmission parameters that yield a maximumtransfer of power to test device 615.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict flow diagrams illustrating example processes 900Aand 900B, respectively, for static tuning a continuous, retro-directivewireless power transmission system, according to some embodiments. Morespecifically, example process 900A illustrates example operations of awireless power transmission system, e.g., wireless power transmissionsystem 601 for statically tuning a retro-directive wireless powertransmission system in a wireless power delivery environment. Likewise,process 900B illustrates example operation of a static test device,e.g., static test device 615, for statically tuning a retro-directivewireless power transmission system in a wireless power deliveryenvironment.

In some embodiments, the static tune mode can suspend dynamic tuning ofa continuous power delivery wireless power transmission system andestablish a stable extended power transmission within a wireless powerdelivery environment. Among other benefits, the stable extended powertransmission facilitates stable RF measurements for characterization ofthe multiple wireless power delivery paths over which wireless power canbe transmitted to a static test device, according to some embodiments.Components of a wireless power transmission system such as, for example,wireless power transmission system 101 of FIG. 1 or wireless powertransmission system 300 of FIG. 3 can, among other functions, performthe example process 900A. Components of a static test device such as,for example, static test device 615 of FIG. 6 can, among otherfunctions, perform the example process 900B.

Referring first to FIG. 9A, example process 900A illustrates an exampleof static tuning a continuous power delivery wireless power transmissionsystem, according to some embodiments. To begin, the wireless powertransmission system and/or the static test device receive an indicationto enter a static tune mode and responsively transitions from a dynamictune mode to a static tune mode. As described herein, the wireless powertransmission system typically operates in a dynamic tune mode; however,a transition to the static tune mode can facilitate accuratemeasurements of RF power for testing and/or certification purposes.

At step 910, the wireless power transmission system selects an antennaof multiple antennas of the wireless power transmission system. If theprocess is continuing from step 930, then the wireless powertransmission system selects the next antenna of multiple antennas of thewireless power transmission system that has not yet been selected. Asdiscussed herein, in some embodiments, the wireless power transmissionsystem can include hundreds or thousands of antennas. At step 512, thewireless power transmission system selects a phase associated with theantenna. If the process is continuing from step 520, then the wirelesspower transmission system selects the next phase associated with theantenna. As described herein, each antenna can have multiple phases. Insome embodiments, steps 512-520 cycle through or sweep through each ofthe possible phases for a particular antenna. For example, in someembodiments, the wireless power transmission system sweeps throughsixteen phases. The wireless power transmission system can have more orfewer phases.

At step 914, the wireless power transmission system directs the selectedantenna to transmit at the selected phase. In some embodiments, a statictest device receives the transmission and measures the value asdescribed in FIG. 9B. At step 916, the wireless power transmissionsystem queries the static test device for a measurement. Alternatively,the static test device may simply wait for the static test device tosend the measurement. At decision step 920, the wireless powertransmission system determines if there are additional phases. That is,the wireless power transmission system determines if the wireless powertransmission system has swept through all phases associated with orcorresponding to that antenna. As described herein, in some embodiments,the wireless power transmission system sweeps through sixteen phases,although there may be any number of phases or phase settings. If thereare additional phases, then the process returns to step 912 and selectsthe next phase.

Otherwise, at step 922, the wireless power transmission systemcalculates a combined power of the received signals for the phases ofthe currently selected antenna. At step 924, the wireless powertransmission system determines a peak power and a corresponding peakphase. The peak phase may be, for example, the phase at which thestrongest signal was received at the static test device from thecurrently selected antenna at the wireless power transmission system. Atstep 926, the wireless power transmission system stores the peak phasein association with the currently selected antenna. For example, thepeak phase can be stored in a peak value phase array in association withan identifier for the currently selected antenna.

Referring next to FIG. 9B, example process 900B illustrates exampleoperations of a static test device (including components of a wirelesspower receiver) during static tuning of a continuous power deliverywireless charging system, according to some embodiments. To begin, atstep 950, the static test device receives wireless power at a selectedphase from a particular transmitting antenna of the wireless powertransmission. At step 952, the static test device measures the valueand, at step 954, reports the measured value to the wireless powertransmission. As discussed with respect to FIG. 9A, the static testdevice can report responsive to a query; however, the static test devicecan alternatively be configured to report without being queried or uponcompletion of the static test.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow diagrams illustrating example processes 1000Aand 100B, respectively, for static tuning a continuous, retro-directivewireless power transmission system, according to some embodiments. Morespecifically, processes 1000A and 1000B describe a static tune mode thatsuspends a dynamic tuning mode of the continuous, retro-directivewireless power delivery system and establishes an extended stable powersphere facilitating RF measurements and characterization of the multiplewireless power delivery paths. Components of a wireless powertransmission system such as, for example, wireless power transmissionsystem 101 of FIG. 1 or wireless power transmission system 300 of FIG. 3can, among other functions, perform the example process 900A. Componentsof a static test device such as, for example, static test device 615 ofFIG. 6 can, among other functions, perform the example process 900B.

Processes 1000A and 600B are similar to processes 900A and 900B with theexception that in the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the static testdevice calculates the combined power, determines peak power value andcorresponding peak phase, and stores these values in association withthe peak phase in a peak phase array. The peak phase array is then sentto the power transmission at the end of the process.

Additional examples including combinations or variations of the stepsperformed in the examples of FIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 10A-10B are not shownfor brevity but are possible. For example, various steps performed by awireless power transmission device can be alternatively or additionallyperformed by the static test device and vice versa.

FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of arepresentative mobile device or tablet computer 1100 with a wirelesspower receiver or client in the form of a mobile (or smart) phone ortablet computer device, according to an embodiment. Various interfacesand modules are shown with reference to FIG. 8, however, the mobiledevice or tablet computer does not require all of modules or functionsfor performing the functionality described herein. It is appreciatedthat, in many embodiments, various components are not included and/ornecessary for operation of the category controller. For example,components such as GPS radios, cellular radios, and accelerometers maynot be included in the controllers to reduce costs and/or complexity.Additionally, components such as ZigBee radios and RFID transceivers,along with antennas, can populate the Printed Circuit Board.

The wireless power receiver client can be a power receiver client 103 ofFIG. 1, although alternative configurations are possible. Additionally,the wireless power receiver client can include one or more RF antennasfor reception of power and/or data signals from a power transmissionsystem, e.g., wireless power transmission system 101 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in theexample form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

In the example of FIG. 12, the computer system includes a processor,memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Various commoncomponents (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity.The computer system 1200 is intended to illustrate a hardware device onwhich any of the components depicted in the example of FIG. 1 (and anyother components described in this specification) can be implemented.For example, the computer system can be any radiating object or antennaarray system. The computer system can be of any applicable known orconvenient type. The components of the computer system can be coupledtogether via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.

The processor may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such asan Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola power PC microprocessor. Oneof skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms“machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage)medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor.

The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. Thememory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random accessmemory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). Thememory can be local, remote, or distributed.

The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and driveunit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk, amagnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), suchas a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or anotherform of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is oftenwritten, by a direct memory access process, into memory during executionof software in the computer 1200. The non-volatile storage can be local,remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional becausesystems can be created with all applicable data available in memory. Atypical computer system will usually include at least a processor,memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor.

Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the driveunit. Indeed, for large programs, it may not even be possible to storethe entire program in the memory. Nevertheless, it should be understoodthat for software to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computerreadable location appropriate for processing, and for illustrativepurposes, that location is referred to as the memory in this paper. Evenwhen software is moved to the memory for execution, the processor willtypically make use of hardware registers to store values associated withthe software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed upexecution. As used herein, a software program is assumed to be stored atany known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage to hardwareregisters) when the software program is referred to as “implemented in acomputer-readable medium”. A processor is considered to be “configuredto execute a program” when at least one value associated with theprogram is stored in a register readable by the processor.

The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. Theinterface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. Itwill be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be consideredto be part of the computer system. The interface can include an analogmodem, isdn modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellitetransmission interface (e.g. “direct PC”), or other interfaces forcoupling a computer system to other computer systems. The interface caninclude one or more input and/or output devices. The I/O devices caninclude, by way of example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse orother pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other inputand/or output devices, including a display device. The display devicecan include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube(CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known orconvenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed thatcontrollers of any devices not depicted in the example of FIG. 9 residein the interface.

In operation, the computer system 1200 can be controlled by operatingsystem software that includes a file management system, such as a diskoperating system. One example of operating system software withassociated file management system software is the family of operatingsystems known as Windows® from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.,and their associated file management systems. Another example ofoperating system software with its associated file management systemsoftware is the Linux operating system and its associated filemanagement system. The file management system is typically stored in thenon-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor toexecute the various acts required by the operating system to input andoutput data and to store data in the memory, including storing files onthe non-volatile memory and/or drive unit.

Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms ofalgorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitswithin a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to adesired result. The operations are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasonsof common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission or display devices.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The requiredstructure for a variety of these systems will appear from thedescription below. In addition, the techniques are not described withreference to any particular programming language, and variousembodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programminglanguages.

In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone deviceor may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in a client-server network environment or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, aBlackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium isshown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encodingor carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of thepresently disclosed technique and innovation.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when readand executed by one or more processing units or processors in acomputer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elementsinvolving the various aspects of the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machineor computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limitedto recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memorydevices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, opticaldisks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital VersatileDisks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such asdigital and analog communication links.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are, at times, shown as being performedin a series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed inparallel, or may be performed at different times. Further, any specificnumbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations mayemploy differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further embodiments of thedisclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theteachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure underthe claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”.) Accordingly,the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filingthe application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspectsof the disclosure.

The detailed description provided herein may be applied to othersystems, not necessarily only the system described above. The elementsand acts of the various examples described above can be combined toprovide further implementations of the invention. Some alternativeimplementations of the invention may include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also may includefewer elements. These and other changes can be made to the invention inlight of the above Detailed Description. While the above descriptiondefines certain examples of the invention, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theinvention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its specific implementation, while still beingencompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of statically tuning a retro-directive wireless power transmission system for providing wireless power to client devices in a wireless power delivery environment, the method comprising: selecting a static tuning configuration indicating multiple wireless power transmission settings, each wireless power transmission setting including transmission parameters for configuring one or more transceivers of multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system; and transmitting, by the wireless power transmission system, wireless power while successively transitioning through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission parameters comprise phase settings for the one or more transceivers of multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the transmission parameters further comprise power settings for the one or more transceivers of multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the transitioning through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings comprises: sequentially selecting each wireless power transmission setting; and for each wireless power transmission setting: identifying a set of transmission parameters for configuring a set of transceivers of the multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system, configuring the set transceivers according to the set of transmission parameters, and once configured, directing the set of transceivers to transmit wireless power.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the wireless power transmission system directs the set of transceivers to transmit the wireless power for a predetermined period of time.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the set of transmission parameters comprise temporal parameters indicating the predetermined period of time.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to selecting the static turning configuration, receiving, by the wireless power transmission system, an indication to enter a static tuning mode; and suspending a dynamic tuning mode of the wireless power transmission system responsive to selecting the static tuning configuration.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the static tuning configuration includes a sequence or pattern with which the wireless power transmission system is to transition through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: transmitting, by the wireless power transmission system, the sequence or pattern with which the wireless power transmission system is to transition through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings prior to the transitioning.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the wireless power transmission system, characteristics of a wireless power signal as measured by a test device for each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics of the wireless power signal include measurements of an amount of wireless power received at the test device for each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics of the wireless power signal include measurements of a shape of the wireless power signal.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics of the wireless power signal include a signal strength of the wireless power signal.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: processing the characteristics of the wireless power signal as measured by the test device to characterize multiple wireless power delivery paths over which the wireless power is transmitted.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: identifying transmission parameters that yield maximum transfer of power.
 16. A retro-directive wireless power transmission system, comprising: an adaptively-phased antenna array having multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers; control circuitry configured to statically tune the retro-directive wireless power transmission system, the control circuitry including: selection logic configured to select a static tuning configuration indicating multiple wireless power transmission settings responsive to receiving an indication to enter a static tuning mode, and transceiver control logic configured to direct the multiple RF transceivers to transmit wireless power while successively transitioning through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings, wherein each wireless power transmission setting includes transmission parameters for configuring one or more transceivers of the multiple RF transceivers of the wireless power transmission system.
 17. The retro-directive wireless power transmission system of claim 16, wherein the transmission parameters comprise phase settings for the one or more transceivers of multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system.
 18. The retro-directive wireless power transmission system of claim 16, wherein the transceiver control logic is further configured to sequentially select each wireless power transmission setting and for each wireless power transmission setting identify a set of transmission parameters for configuring a set of transceivers of the multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system, configure the set transceivers according to the set of transmission parameters, and direct the set of transceivers to transmit wireless power.
 19. The retro-directive wireless power transmission system of claim 16, wherein the static tuning configuration includes a sequence or pattern with which the wireless power transmission system is to transition through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings.
 20. A computer readable storage medium having program instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless power transmission system, cause the wireless power transmission system to: select a static tuning configuration indicating multiple wireless power transmission settings, wherein each wireless power transmission setting includes transmission parameters for configuring one or more transceivers of multiple transceivers of the wireless power transmission system; and direct the wireless power transmission system to transmit wireless power while successively transitioning through each of the multiple wireless power transmission settings. 